School uniforms are about improving education, protecting our children from violence and gangs, and supporting teachers who struggle with student discipline. Mueller Park Junior High School (Bountiful) parents and officials supporting a dress code policy advocate a policy requiring a select dress code more than a strict uniform.
Initially, I opposed the introduction of uniforms at MPJH. I believed they could take away individual freedoms of expression and a student's identity and individuality. My opinions have changed. I support the dress code (uniforms) for the following reasons:1. The MPJH dress code (uniforms) eliminates messages on T-shirts that are insidious, distracting and completely inappropriate in an educational setting. Better, they replace existing "gang uniforms" with a dress code that has higher values, and the pride of being part of a first class educational system and people they can feel proud to associate with.
It is ironic that people spend thousands of dollars to send their children to private schools and the first thing required of the student is to wear a uniform. Educators in the private sector have learned a primary rule in educating children; uniforms (and strict dress codes) make a difference. Our public schools in Utah are also excellent, and they can be significantly improved. In fact, they must improve to prepare our children to address the many challenges they will face in their lifetimes.
2. Socioeconomic boundaries are eliminated in the school environment. I credit my father and my 14-year-old daughter with my conversion on this point. Many students in schools today cannot afford expensive designer clothes. Many dress well but have difficulty fitting in with other students who wear expensive clothes compared to their low-budget attire.
The MPJH dress code provides a means for students to shop at any clothing store (pick any one) and it will be virtually impossible to tell where the clothes came from (no symbols except approved school logos are allowed on the clothes). Schools adapting uniform policies have actually saved parents money as well as improved dress standards at the school.
The dress code also is a living document, allowing changes so that children can feel up to date in their dress and proud of the clothes they wear. Students have plenty of other forums and activities to demonstrate individuality and freedom of expression outside of school classrooms with other clothes. As with any student need, budgets to support students unable to purchase clothes required by a dress code will be available.
3. Other schools that have adopted uniforms have seen almost immediate results. Violence has been dramatically reduced. School attendance increased substantially. Student grades and classroom discipline improved. Teachers have been able to do what they were hired to do - teach. Questions? Check the Internet or contact someone on the MPJH committee.
4. How can we ask more from our teachers if we are not willing to listen to the obstacles they face relative to school discipline and respond? If school uniforms are the answer, it is a great idea and worth the effort.
5. For Bountiful, the MPJH dress code measure is also preventive in nature. There is gang activity in Bountiful. Many people in Wasatch front neighborhoods believed their neighborhoods were relatively immune to gang activity. Today the gang activity in many of those same neighborhoods is alarmingly high, both in its scale and its violence.
The uniform measure effectively sets standards that eliminate "gang uniforms" and focuses student attention on learning. Perhaps that alone will help curb gang activity.
6. Finally, this issue is everything about freedom. It means children having more freedom to learn in a wholesome environment where they can be free from much of the sick outside influences that don't belong in a school. It means freedom from school violence. It means freedom to provide and receive an education as it is intended, particularly at the age of these children. It means freedom from gang-associated activities, dress, and gang colors in the school environment.
It means freedom for kids who cannot compete with the high cost of designer clothes to enjoy school more while supporting a dress code that allows all children to wear clothes they can fell proud to wear and providing variety and choice.
This is a democratic means to publicly support all of our children in public schools. All parents have a say and should be involved in the process so that the outcome will be the best it can be. That is freedom.
Gale Thorne is a resident of Bountiful.